theme CHIMPS AHOY

You don't get to say it often, but when the opportunity arises you should try these words ~ "Sure, it's behind the chimp!". I first said it to the workman who came in to fix the fridge - and it felt great. Yes, at long last, I have the OneUp chimp on my bathroom door (see #1).

And what better way to celebrate than to show a selection of chimps and monkeys from independent designers. In fact, go ahead....vote for your favorite!

1. Chimp wall graphic, $30, OneUp Designs
2. Chimp kids tee, $14, Funky Fresh
3. Monkey cufflinks, $99, Corky
4. Women's monkey t-shirt, $28, Formoda
5. LaLa Pix key fob, 7.50 €, FunkyPix

giveaway AMENITY

Seriously, if you need to take a nap right now I understand. If you already have this duvet cover by Amenity home, you probably have no choice. It's soft, organic, limited edition - and the kind folks at Amenity have offered it for our giveaway!

Check out more from the Amenity website: http://www.amenityhome.com

To enter the giveaway (US addresses only):
1. Leave a comment here with your email (or other way of contacting you if you are worried about spam).
2. Join the mailing list

independent design guide SUMMER 2009

Last week I launched the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // summer 09 - and I love it! Of course, there is the oh-so-slight chance that I am biased since I curated the guide.

Plus, one of the designs is going to be our next giveaway....I bet you can't guess which one!

Check out more from the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE and then don't forget to vote for your favorite designers.

designer JEAN PELLE

Candles evoke a coziness that I usually associate with fall and winter. But for me, these candlestick holders feel beachy and modern....summer evenings on the deck of the slightly shabby beach house. Candles lit after watching the sunset over the Pacific. A beer in one hand, trashy page turner in the other...asleep by 8:30! Hey, that was last weekend - and a relaxing weekend it was too. Ahhhh...

Check out more from Jean Pelle at: www.JeanPelle.com

home for the holidays

If you are looking for the perfect hostess gift or a gift for a friend, you can't go wrong with these homely delights from the INDEPENDENT DESIGN / HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE.

The calendar from INK+WIT is a favorite - I have one - and would equally fit in a country kitchen as in a modern loft. It is letterpress printed on beautiful thick card stock and just so delightful.

Check out all the designers in the guide, here

FEATURING (clockwise from top left):
+ THE POSTER LIST, keep calm & rock on poster, $10.99
+ MODERN PRINTED MATTER, 2009 Screen Printed Calendar, $22
+ 12 FIFTEEN, grey trees coasters (set/8), $12
+ PALOMAS NEST, 2008 dove ornament, $22
+ INK+WIT / PISTACHIO PRESS, 2009 letterpress calendar, $40

spring guide // home

Whether it is clean Japanese graphics or retro inspired speakers - the feeling was modern.

I just have to say that I love the idea of the speakers - one customer got theirs customized to hook up to their ipod and run off AA batteries so they could party anywhere. Now that it retro-tech!

FEATURING (clockwise):
+ ONE UP DESIGNS, asian bloom wall graphic, $28
+ PAPER CLOUD, Onionpods Pillow, $75
+ MEDIUMS TO MASSES, large + small square plates, $36
+ EXELUXE, retro hi-fi speakers (pair), $240
+ CICADA STUDIO, green weave pillow, $42

buckle up : 5 men's belts

Belts for men are the equivalent of a necklace for the ladies. And since I don't know how to say the next bit without it sounding a little naughty...well, I'll just say they make a nice gift and a conversation starter. Ahem....

FEATURING:
+ walnut + turquoise buckle, $90, solido (this is an absolute favorite of mine)
+ kermit silver and stingray belt, $660, ruth avra
+ woodwater belt, $175, fourteenfifty
+ oval steel, $52.50, fosterweld
+ triple X buckle, $30, cheshire forge

see more and "hive" your favorites at:
+ WHAT designers stylehive: "belt it out"

db or not db

Well, I did say that there was even a little damask to be had for boys these days. The wallet in db clay's signature damask print (middle right), but recolored in spicy yellow. For a less vibrant version check out the black + black and black + tan colorways.

I have been a fan of db clay for a while and mentioned them before in the "cash + carry" post. Their wallets are made from eco-friendly tope and are just 100% cool, fresh and shiny!

www.dbclay.com

just coasting

Coasters can add a little quirkiness to that tastefully decorated modern pad of yours. There are many to choose from, including some crochet ones....sorry I'm just not feeling crafty right now...anyway here are a few to start you off!


TOP:
+ hostess, $10/8, hello lucky
+ under the sea, $10/8, papered together

CENTER:
+ branch & blossom, $12/4, cabin - I just dig cabin right now!

BOTTOM:
+ siphon, $10/8, green chair press
+ vintage coca cola, $10/4, kitty cross bones

hello sunshine

Infuse a little spring in the old pad with some jolly pillows!

And if you like bold, vintage textiles you must check out absoluute's store - all the way from Amsterdam, but still only $5 for shipping - now that's a sunny delight!

CLOCKWISE:
: cardinal on agapanthus, $28, joom
: track roll pillow, $55, unison
: lush (cover only), $25, absoluute [amsterdam]
: radial, $70, hybrid home - love, love, love hybrid!
: hot leaves, $50, notneutral

cash + carry

Now, boys, it is okay not to stuff those pant pockets with
e v e r y t h i n g.

I know there is a little bit of a "don't ask, don't tell" policy when it comes to "man bags". I sometimes suspect that there isn't a laptop in that slim and sleek laptop case - but wallet, phone, keys...maybe even some lip balm. Your secret is safe with me....as long as I don't have to wait 30 minutes for you to empty out your blinking cargo pockets at the airport.

Here are a couple of "pocket management systems" to get you started.

CLOCKWISE (top left):
: cummerbund bag, $140 (canvas) $399 (leather), Acton Treadway
: double wide, $30, RandL
: v12, $60, jfold
: small messenger bag, $150, Denis Denis
: this sky, $55, dbclay (I love, love, love this wallet)
: messenger bag with stripes, $162.50, jfold

reveal + conceal

There is something incredibly poetic about Nendo's Hanabi lamp shade featured in this months' Dwell. The lamp "blooms" with the warmth of the bulb. A design is so simple, yet so beautiful; when grouped, as for the 2006 Milan Salone, it is pure art.

The "pillow", based on a Japanese anemone box, twists down to conceal treasures....or clutter. Beautiful & functional, I can imagine using one to store a selection of necessary art supplies - sketchbook, watercolors, favorite pens & pencil. Unlike the practical, but uninspiring, rubbermaid box - the "pillow" would look fabulous wherever you put it. Twist Pillow, $113, by Kat Nouri / ModernTwist, available online through Rose and Radish